Jacobs Reveals What Worries Pirates About Sekhukhune Ahead of Carling KO Clash
Orlando Pirates have beaten Sekhukhune United three times this season, but assistant coach Rayaan Jacobs says that history has made the fourth meeting harder, not easier.
The Buccaneers face Babina Noko in the Carling Knockout quarterfinal at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon, chasing a place in the last four.
They won both legs of the MTN8 semi-final and a Betway Premiership match. Jacobs says familiarity cuts both ways.
“Look, of course we’ve played them three times this season. Twice in the MTN8 and we’ve overcome them in the league,” said Jacobs.
“I think it makes the task a little harder. They know us, we know them. It’s about who comes up with the right game plan on the day.”
Jacobs listed what makes the opponent so dangerous.
“We know what Sekhukhune are all about. They can play multiple systems, their quick players they can get behind you.
“They can play between the lines, they really good in the build-up, they defend well but we know we have all the tools to beat them.”
He also pointed to a new coach on the other side. Papi Zothwane replaced Cedric Kaze, and all three defeats came under Kaze, so Pirates are facing a rebuilt opponent.
The target is clear. “We’ve managed to overcome them three times, and we’ll be looking to make it a fourth,” he added.
“Our objective is to retain this title and make sure we progress to the semi-finals.”
Pirates are the favourites, but Jacobs knows the cost of underestimating a side that has had their number in their minds all season.
